There is to be a new timeline and methodology for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ review of its guidance to professionals on ‘under care’ and 24/7 out-of-hours emergency cover.
The revised process was agreed at a meeting of the RCVS council in March and will begin in April.
The review will explore the implications of the use of new technologies for animal welfare and for veterinary regulation, in particular around emergency cover and the concept of an animal being ‘under care’.
It has been delayed from late last year but will now focus on:
> Evidence-gathering including focus group discussions taking place across the UK (subject to the latest official advice on COVID-19)
> An online survey for veterinary professions to be launched in summer for for six weeks.
> Any proposed changes to the Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance on the concept of ‘under care’ and 24/7 emergency cover arising from the survey will be the subject of public consultation.
